Buyer

Symmetric Recruitment Ltd; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic engineering firm in Bristol is seeking an experienced Buyer to oversee procurement operations. You will handle purchasing, supplier negotiations, and contribute to innovative supply chain solutions. The role supports professional growth and offers an attractive salary package along with a company bonus, reflecting the value placed on staff development and well-being.

Benefits

Ongoing funding for personal development

Attractive salary package

Company bonus scheme

Good work-life balance

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years experience in a procurement environment.
• Membership of a relevant professional body such as CIPS is desirable.
• Ability to obtain basic security clearance (SC).

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operational performance for procurement activities.
• Convert purchase requisitions to purchase orders.
• Develop and maintain supplier relationships.

Skills

Negotiation

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Relationship management

Microsoft Excel

Education

Degree-level qualification in a relevant subject

Tools

ERP systems (IFS desirable)

Job description

Buyer

GBP38,000- GBP45,000 DOE + Up To GBP10,000 Company Bonus

Ongoing funding for personal development

Hybrid working available

Are you an experienced Assistant Buyer / Junior Buyer looking for your next step or already an experienced Buyer / Supply Chain professional? We would like to hear from you.

A vacancy has arisen for a Buyer, preferably from a Defence or Engineering / Manufacturing sector background, to join an established Bristol-based Engineering / Defence Services SME based in Central Bristol. We deliver complex manufacturing and critical services to UK Primes and the MoD and are growing due to winning a number of large contracts.

As a Buyer, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operational performance oversight. You will be integral to delivering innovative supply chain solutions to support further growth opportunities pursued by the business.

We will support your development, funding additional qualifications, and strive to promote a good work-life balance, with an attractive salary package and profit share scheme.

We are a small team where you'll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity, rewards integrity and merit, and empowers you to fulfill your potential. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds who will bring passion and innovation to the role.

Main duties

1. Convert purchase requisitions to purchase orders and issue them to suppliers.
2. Prepare, issue, and review supplier RFQs, recommending preferred options to all relevant stakeholders.
3. Identify resolutions for critical path supply issues.
4. Develop and maintain key supplier relationships and support supplier performance improvement.
5. Take ownership of order book management activities, liaising with suppliers to ensure materials/components are bought in line with customer requirements and contractual lead-times are achieved.
6. Manage goods-in and invoice queries associated with your order book.
7. Ensure data accuracy of the ERP system with valid pricing and purchase requirements.
8. Support the Procurement Manager in tendering and sourcing processes in accordance with project deliverables.
9. Support strategic sourcing to ensure best practice sourcing and pricing portfolio is achieved.
10. Confidently negotiate and agree terms and conditions, including contractual agreements and KPI management.

Professional Skills / Abilities

1. Ability to establish strong relationships with key stakeholders across the business.
2. Good understanding of procurement within a project management context.
3. Self-motivated with a flexible approach to workload.
4. Excellent IT skills, especially Microsoft Excel.
5. Strong attention to detail.
6. Data analysis skills.
7. Basic understanding of engineering (desirable).

Experience & Qualifications

1. Minimum 2 years experience in a procurement environment.
2. Degree-level qualification in a relevant subject (or working towards it).
3. Membership of a relevant professional body such as CIPS (desirable).
4. MRP skills (IFS desirable).
5. Full driving license and willingness to travel.
6. Ability to obtain basic security clearance (SC).